Note Taking Assignment
Due Date: 10:30 AM on Monday, February 15
Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to ensure that students have mastered the basics of taking notes on
the assigned readings. Taking notes on class readings is a proven method to deepen students’ understanding of
course material, as opposed to merely reading the assigned text. A good set of course notes also makes studying
for quizzes and exams easier, and increases the likelihood of getting a good grade.
Assignment: Take notes for “The Case for Hard Determinism” (82-85) in Ultimate Questions. Your notes
must follow EXACTLY the question/answer format of the sample provided. (See below). Failure to follow
directions will result in penalties ranging from 25% to 100%. Assignments must be typed. Use complete
sentences. Make sure your writing is grammatically and stylistically correct in all respects. This assignment is
worth ONE QUIZ (15 points).
Recommendation: I recommend reading the section first. Next, read it again taking notes for the assignment.
(This example covers the preceding section.)
Christina Ellis
February 1, 2016
“Why Is There A Problem with Free Will”
Textbook Question (Questions
should focus on concepts
Page
Numbers and arguments).
Answer
77
What does it mean to say
we have free will?
We can make choices in our lives and those choices are up to us.
78
What is determinism?
79
What does Schopenhauer
say about freedom?
We do not lose our sense of freedom even if our future is already determined.
80
What is the main
philosophical problem
with determinism?
The main problem is how to explain the extent to which the past is connected
with the future and what impact this connection has on our ability to make free
choices.
The theory that the future is fixed by the past.
80
What is compatibilism?
Compatibilism is the position that freedom and determinism can coexist.
80
What is incompatiblism?
Incompatibilism is the position that freedom and determinism cannot coexist.